Fields of pampas grass that gradually change the color of the hillsides from green to gold

Over the course of about three months, from summer to autumn to winter, the fields of pampas grass at Sengokuhara gradually change color from green to gold. Hillsides that had been covered in green are dotted with white when new ears of grass appear in early autumn. As the new ears open everything changes to gold, and from October until late autumn (around November), visitors can enjoy fields of pampas grass glittering in the sunshine, their color having completely changed. Coupled with the autumn sky spreading overhead, it is a stunning prospect that can also evoke bittersweet melancholy and inspire reflection on the transience of all things.

※ Views like the one shown in the photo can only be seen under certain conditions (time of day, weather etc.).

Viewing period:

Autumn (September to November)

Challenge level:

★★☆

Feeling:

Overwhelming

Travel advice

Take the train from Odawara Station, alight at Hakone Yumoto Station and take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Sengokukogen" bus stop. Visit in autumn or winter to enjoy the golden pampas grass. Yamayaki (burning off the dead grass) in March and the fresh green pampas grass in summer are also well worth seeing. Paths across the fields are unpaved in some parts, so please watch your step.

Sengokuhara is also a renowned hot spring site and there are many hot spring ryokans in the area. After a pleasant walk through fields of pampas grass, why not relax and relieve your travel weariness in a hot spring? There are many sightseeing spots and places to eat around Odawara Station, the start and end point of the trip. Visitors can survey beautiful Sagami Bay from the keep of Odawara Castle, located a 10-minute walk from the station. A recommended dish is Odawara-don, prepared with seasonal fish and other seafood caught in Sagami Bay. How about picking up some kamaboko, a local specialty of Odawara, as a souvenir?